The former Ibrox striker watched Ally McCoist’s side go down to another of his old clubs, Hearts, on Sunday as a clear a lack of creativity ensured a miserable league curtain-raiser for the Light Blues.

The 43-year-old is hoping David Templeton and Lewis Macleod can give Gers the spark they need – but believes McCoist may need to bring in another attacking midfielder if the duo fail to step up to the plate.

He said: “It’s a major worry that Rangers have signed two guys of international pedigree but haven’t provided them with the quality of service they thrive on.

“There was a lack of midfield guile last midweek against Hibs and it was apparent against Hearts that the players being asked to provide from middle to front just weren’t delivering. Time isn’t on their side as this season will be entirely different because they have genuine title rivals.

“So boys such as Templeton and Macleod must stand up and be counted now.

“Templeton has the X Factor as he offers something nobody else possesses and I still expect him to shine while Macleod also needs to deliver. I expected both of them to be big players this season and they need to show their undoubted quality.

“But it’s no use just talking these boys up, the time to show they are capable of rising to the challenge is upon them and if they didn’t know it last week then they should certainly know it now.

“They need to be let off the leash so they can express themselves fully and provide service for the strikers.

“Boydy and Miller will be a joy to play with as their movement and intelligence inside the box should make it easier for creative players to pick them out but it’s a worry that hasn’t been the case so far. It’s early and we need to be wary of being overcritical but the signs haven’t been good.”

The central midfield pairing of Ian Black and Nicky Law has failed to spark and McSwegan admits it may be time to look further afield for a player who has the vision to open up defences by looking forwards rather than side to side.

“Rangers won’t have the luxury of easing themselves into the Championship as the title will get out of their reach before they know what’s happened.

“They knew before a ball was kicked that Hearts, Hibs and the likes of Falkirk will make sure this season represents a challenge which Rangers haven’t faced in the past two years.

“I played with Ian at Inverness and he has a terrific range of passing with both his right and left foot. He’s also capable of adding a killer pass to his game but maybe the midfield blend isn’t right. From what I have seen of Law there is a lack of certainty about what his role is. Does he sit and hold his position or does he run from deep where he poses more problems?

“I was a Rangers scout when they were last in the top flight and I would identify players who had both dig and an eye to play a pass which hurts the opposition.

“If there isn’t a rapid improvement then Rangers may need to bring in a few players who have that added creative ingredient.”

The opening-day loss didn’t come as a shock to McSwegan who always fancied Hearts to give the Championship favourites a title wake-up call.

He said: “I wasn’t surprised at the result on Sunday as I expected Hearts to get something at Ibrox. I was impressed by the way they ended last season and that confidence has been carried into this campaign.

“They worked harder and showed more desire to get the result.

“There is a consistency about them which will stand them in good stead, it’s a mix of young players who are hungry to succeed and a few older heads.

“Hearts have also been experiencing their own difficulties but the club and the fans appear to have come through their financial struggle as a stronger and closer unit.